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New Tech to Spot AI Deepfakes, SearchGPT Challenging Google, & WTO Launches Global E-Commerce Deal

Author

Abby Bradeen
July 30, 2024

Cyber Security

The Eyes, Chico. They Never Lie.

New Technique to Spot AI Deepfakes: In an intriguing crossover between astronomy and cybersecurity, astronomers have discovered a technique to spot AI-generated deepfakes using galaxy measurement tools. Researchers leveraged methods initially designed for studying galaxies to identify synthetic images and videos created by AI by analyzing light reflections in the eyes of a photo’s subject. The technique is based on the idea that eyes reflecting the same light sources will display similar reflections of light. AI often fails to consider this and often generates images in which the reflections are inconsistent with one another.

The team used techniques from astronomy to analyze eyeball reflections and spot AI fakes. They employed the Gini coefficient, a tool for measuring light distribution in galaxy images, to assess how evenly light is spread across eye pixels.

Despite its promise, the technique isn't without flaws. The method can produce false positives, incorrectly flagging legitimate content as fake (because sometimes eyes do naturally reflect light inconsistently), and false negatives, where actual AI-generated fakes slip through undetected.

Still, this development highlights the growing intersection of various scientific disciplines with AI and cybersecurity and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex challenges posed by emerging technologies. As deepfakes pose significant risks to brand integrity, reputation, and security, adopting advanced detection techniques will prove to be vital.

By staying informed about such advancements, business leaders can better prepare for and mitigate the risks associated with AI-driven fraud and misinformation, ensuring their organizations remain secure and trustworthy.

AI

OpenAI Slowly But Surely Encroaching on Google’s Turf

SearchGPT is the New Kid on the Block: OpenAI just released a prototype for their new AI search engine, SearchGPT, aimed at providing a solution for an internet taken over by spam (a problem that, ironically, many argue was instigated by ChatGPT). SearchGPT integrates its advanced models, like GPT-4o, with live web data to streamline the query process and enhance search results. Users can then ask follow-up questions and SearchGPT will keep track of the conversation context.

SearchGPT will document its references and cite its sources, though OpenAI has yet to reveal how it obtains real time web data. OpenAI calls this most recent brainchild “a new way to search”, purporting that AI will indelibly change the way consumers navigate the internet and find information.

Some Potentially Key Features:

  • Enhanced Accuracy: More precise search results by understanding context and nuances.

  • AI Integration: Utilizes OpenAI’s language model for relevant answers and streamlined searches.

  • User Experience: Aims to improve search efficiency with faster, intuitive results.

For business leaders, SearchGPT's emergence could revolutionize digital marketing and SEO strategies. By understanding user intent better than traditional search engines, SearchGPT can provide more relevant search results, thereby reshaping how businesses reach and engage customers online. OpenAI claims that one goal of SearchGPT is to help users better connect with and discover publishers – could this signify the end of Google’s increasingly problematic ranking methods?

E-Commerce

US Steers Clear of New WTO E-Commerce Deal

New E-Commerce Paradigms on the Horizon: In a significant move for international trade, eighty nations have reached a landmark agreement on e-commerce regulations, though notably without the support of the United States. This deal aims to streamline cross-border digital trade, set new standards for online consumer protection, and promote fair competition. However, the absence of the US, a major player in global e-commerce, raises questions about the deal's overall impact and implementation.

Big Takeaways from the Deal:

  • Streamlined Regulations: The deal aims to create a more consistent regulatory environment for cross-border e-commerce.

  • Consumer Protection: New standards are set to enhance online consumer rights and safety.

  • Fair Competition: Measures to prevent anti-competitive practices and ensure a level playing field.

This agreement could signal a shift in the global e-commerce landscape. While the US's lack of participation may limit the agreement's immediate influence, the deal still represents a concerted effort by a large coalition of countries to address the complexities of digital commerce.

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